Pluripotent stem cells are being used to generate models of early embryogenesis that are promising for discovery and translational research. To be useful, these models require critical consideration of their level of efficiency and fidelity to natural embryos. Here we propose criteria with which to raise the standards of stem-cell-based embryo models of human embryogenesis.

Man and Kanneganti discuss how pattern-recognition sensors in innate immune cells recognize and respond to cell-death signatures, and highlight molecular targets for potential therapeutic development.

Gasdermins are a family of proteins that form membrane pores and elicit pyroptosis. This Review discusses recent work highlighting their regulation and emerging biological roles, including in non-lethal pore formation and host defence.

The subcellular localization of numerous mRNAs has been demonstrated. This Review presents the different means of mRNA localization described and discusses how they can account for the widespread occurrence of this phenomenon.

Combining degron-based depletion with live-cell transcription imaging and single-particle tracking, Szczurek et al. show that Polycomb keeps promoters in an OFF state by restricting the formation of the pre-initiation complex.

Zhang, Liu and colleagues identify and characterize cell death in rapidly proliferating CD8⁺ T cells resulting from excessive ammonia accumulation and subsequent lysosomal dysfunction and mitochondrial damage.

Schliffka et al. show that in the early mouse embryo, hemispherical intrusions, or inverse blebs, grow into cells at cell–cell adhesion sites in response to luminal fluid accumulation and pressure build-up, and may serve as pumps moving fluid into hydraulic sinks.

Guo, Hong et al. report that TET2 condensation maintains proper DNA demethylation at specific genomic loci, which can be targeted to alter gene expression and impair leukaemia growth.

de Caestecker and Macara study apical sorting of proteins with varying cytoplasmic tail length in epithelial cells. They propose that a size filter at the Golgi facilitates apical sorting of proteins with small cytoplasmic domains.

Tamagawa, Fujii et al. demonstrate that squamous differentiation in human pancreatic cancer can be attributed to TP63-mediated lineage conversion and epigenetic reprogramming that depends upon a hypoxic and Wnt-defective niche.

Pluripotent stem cells are being used to generate models of early embryogenesis that are promising for discovery and translational research. To be useful, these models require critical consideration of their level of efficiency and fidelity to natural embryos. Here we propose criteria with which to raise the standards of stem-cell-based embryo models of human embryogenesis.

Volume electron microscopy (vEM) generates large 3D volumes of cells or tissues at nanoscale resolutions, enabling analyses of organelles in their cellular environment. Here, we provide examples of vEM in cell biology and discuss community efforts to develop standards in sample preparation and image acquisition for enhanced reproducibility and data reuse.

Despite the constant renewal of their components, cellular actin networks maintain their overall appearance, through a subtle balance of filament assembly and disassembly. This balance is key to the remodelling of cellular architecture. We discuss the significance of in vitro reconstitutions in deciphering the complexity of actin regulation.

Scientists must actively advocate for infrastructure development and funding of emerging research directions through collective efforts. In India, this has been crucial to help reverse the brain drain and enable equitable contributions to research and development at the global level.

In this piece, I share a personal encounter that underscores the glaring gaps in conference accessibility and challenges faced by disabled academics. I reveal historical biases and resistance to change and propose ways to transform conferences into more inclusive spaces, ensuring that all scientists can fully participate in the scientific discourse.